Appalachian Spring Tonic

Spring Tonics are used to help the blood rise like the sap in the spring. Information on the history and lore surrounding tonics can be found here. We developed this recipe from our own understanding of the occult properties of the local plants and the lore that can still be found in the mountains we call home.

This recipe contains sassafras, elder, burdock, and dandelion. Sassafras and Elder were both believed to have been effective in 'building' as well as 'thinning' the blood and were both common ingredients in spring tonics. Sassafras and burdock promote sweating and act as diuretics, thus (from a folk medicine perspective) proving effective at purifying the blood. Dandelion root is also a diuretic and was thought to help cleanse the liver and kidneys. Plus the tea tastes a lot better than sulfur and molasses -- another common spring blood tonic used in Appalachia.